TUC launches anti-stress campaign

The
TUC is launching an anti-workplace stress campaign that will see union safety
reps around the country completing a welfare MOT on staff.

Workers
in offices and factories are being urged to check if work is causing them
excessive stress by using new TUC guidance.

The
stress test comprises two questionnaires: a people survey designed to assess
whether people’s work is making them stressed, and an organisation survey which
checks how well employers are managing the risks of stress among their
workforce.

If
a workplace fails the MOT, the TUC will be advising safety reps to press for a
proper risk assessment and stress audit to be carried out.

The
MOT is designed to coincide with European Health and Safety Week (14-20
October), which this year focuses on stress.

According
to the TUC, stress at work is causing around 270,000 workers to take time off
at a cost of £7bn a year.